Unusual art pays tribute to Tamworth police woman

POLICE and the local council will officially open an unusual art exhibition on the state’s Mid North Coast tomorrow that pays tribute to former Tamworth police officer Sabine Altmann.

Northern region commander, Assistant Commissioner Carlene York, will officially open Shades of Blue at the Glasshouse in Port Macquarie.

The exhibition will run from tomorrow to November 27 and features 45 artworks contributed by 25 artists, all of whom are current or former members of the NSW Police Force.

Shades of Blue was the inspirational idea of Sabine Altmann, who worked for NSW Police as the western region domestic violence co-ordinator, based at Tamworth Police Station.

Sabine was tragically killed in a motor vehicle accident in October last year while performing her duties and it is in her honour that the exhibition will be shown in 2012.

Assistant commissioner Carlene York said police in the northern region were proud to continue Sabine’s legacy and host the exhibition in Port Macquarie.

“As an artist herself, Sabine believed in the benefits of turning to creative pursuits as a positive and rewarding way of managing stress that sometimes accompanies carrying out law enforcement duties,” Assistant Commissioner York said.

“In developing Shades of Blue, Sabine has provided a unique opportunity for officers to have their artwork displayed in a professional setting and engage with the community on a creative level.”

The exhibition has been supported by the Police Credit Union and Port Macquarie-Hastings Council and has been included as an event to commemorate the 150 years of policing in NSW.

“The exhibition also falls within White Ribbon Day on Friday, November 25, combining two facets of Sabine’s life perfectly: her commitment to helping police and the community deal with domestic violence and her passion for art,” Assistant Commissioner York said.

Shades of Blue – an exhibition of art by NSW Police employees is open until November 27 from 10am to 4pm daily. Admission is free.